Freshly Fried - January 19, 2018

Let's talk about what's fresh this week in the entertainment world! Here's the “Fryday” fry up:

Nollywood News

Funke Akindele - Will She or Will She Not Star in "Avengers: Infinity War"?

Funke Akindele will star in the upcoming "Avengers: Infinity War" as a bodyguard for the Black Panther...or will she? Nigeria and now the rest of the world have spent the better part of this week debating whether or not the Nollywood actress will make an appearance in the highly anticipated "Avengers: Infinity War".

Last week, the star's name appeared in the cast list on the "Avengers: Infinity War" IMDb page and with "Avengers: Infinity War" was listed under Akindele's 'movies' on her IMDb page. After her name was noticed by fans, social media went into a frenzy asking the star herself and various media sources if she was, in fact, a member of the upcoming Marvel movie. However, Akindele did not confirm (nor deny) her role in the movie and her name has since been removed from the"Avengers: Infinity War" IMDb cast list.

Move Over "Suits", A New Legal Drama Called "Castle & Castle" is Here

A new EbonyLife legal drama series called "Castle & Castle" is in the works, making it the first of it's kind in Nigeria! The recently announced upcoming legal drama will star Richard Mofe-Damijo, Eku Edewor, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Ade Laoye, Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Denola Grey, Deyemi Okanlawon, Dorcas Shola Fapson, Anee Icha, and Diipo Ayo-Adeusi.

The series will follow two lawyers, who are married to one another and own a successful law practice in Lagos. The plot will focus on them as they navigate their way through the world of law, business, lust, and morals. Directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, Kenneth Gyang, and Tope Oshin, the series is expected to premiere on EbonyLife TV later this year.

Judith Audu Makes Directorial Debut with "Mirabel"

There's no stopping Judith Audu! The actress and producer has recently made her directorial debut with a short film called "Mirabel". Not only did she direct this upcoming film but she also produced it, with help from her production company, Judith Audu Productions.

Based on the poem of the same name by Moses Akerele, who will also star in the film as the lead character, "Mirabel" will tell the story of two young lovers who are torn apart by an unplanned pregnancy. The drama will star Naomi Ojochide Yahaya, Omowunmi Dada, Chris Iheuwa, Maimuna Yahaya, Steve Enagbare, and Tunbosun Aiyedehin. A release date has yet to be set.

Hollywood News

X-Men Spin-off "Gambit" Loses its Director...Again

If you didn't know, then you are about to find out: Channing Tatum is set to star and produce an upcoming X-Men spin-off called "Gambit", set to release in the summer of 2019. However, there's been some trouble finding a director, or rather, keeping one.

The most recent director for "Gambit" was "Pirates of the Caribbean" alum Gore Verbinski, who recently announced his departure from the project citing "creative differences". Previous directors for the upcoming spin-off included Doug Liman and Rupert Wyatt. So, who will direct "Gambit"? Only time will tell.

Leonardo DiCaprio to Return to the Big Screen

After nearly three years, beloved Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio will return to the big-screen for Quentin Tarantino's upcoming movie about Charles Manson, the notorious murderer and cult leader. No, DiCaprio will not star as Charles Manson but will be a key figure in the movie and will surely provide fans with a must-see performance.

Other cast members being sought out include Margot Robbie (as Sharon Tate) and Tom Cruise. What do you think about Robbie and DiCaprio reuniting on the big screen? Did you enjoy their performance together in "The Wolf of Wall Street"? Let us know in the comments and keep your eyes out for this thriller, expected to hit cinemas on August 9, 2019.